Will Falconer, DVM Moderator
I hear you, Sandy. Cats are a great example as a species. They've gotten far more chronic disease since they took over "most popular pet" a decade or two back, and went to vets for the boatload of vaccines, poisons, and poor quality kibble. Now diabetic, hyperthyroid, scratching their allergic skin bloody…
A good middle ground, and some powerful words are these: "I'm only here seeking an exam (or a diagnosis). I'll weigh my treatment options when you tell me what's going on."